Seven Hour SWAT Standoff Ends Peacefully
November 13, 2011
A Pensacola man is undergoing psychological evaluation after a seven hour standoff with police that began after he refused to allow a welfare check on his children Saturday.
The incident began just before 10 a.m. after a relative of the 34-year-old man called police and said the man had been behaving irrationally and he was afraid for the safety of the children, ages 10 and 13, said Pensacola Police Department Lt. Steve Ordonia.
When officers arrived at the residence in the 3900 block of North 12th Avenue, the man refused to answer the door or to talk with officers. Because of safety concerns, SWAT officers were called to the home around 10:50 a.m., Ordonia said.
After approximately five hours of negotiations, the man fell asleep and one of the children answered the telephone when an officer called inside. The officer talked the children into coming outside.
Police said negotiations resumed a short time later when the man awakened. The incident ended around 5:30 p.m. after officers forced their way into the house and talked the man into coming downstairs where he was taken into custody.
No weapons were found in the house, and no one was injured. The children are now staying with another family member, Ordonia said.
Birth: Braylen Barton
November 13, 2011
Amber Knight and Joey Barton are proud to announce the birth of Braylen Barton. Braylen was born November 7, 2011, at 6:39 a.m. at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. Braylen weighed 7-pounds, 1-ounces and was 20 inches long.
Braylen was welcomed by brother Ayden Blair and grandparents Candy Knight and Kenny Ashcraft, and Erlinda and Robert Barton.
For The Children: Local Group Takes Mission Trip To Guatemala
November 13, 2011
A group of North Escambia area residents from Highland Baptist Church in Molino recently returned from a mission trip to Malnutrition Center in San Juan, Guatemala.
For a photo gallery,click here.
In the story below, Sara Calhoun, wife of Highland Pastor Brian Calhoun, tell the story of the trip in her own words.
Last January, the Lord planted a seed in Kathaleen Holmes’ heart about leading a mission trip from Highland Baptist Church to the Malnutrition Center in San Juan, Guatemala with the Orphan’s Heart Ministries. Orphan’s Heart is an international childcare program that was established by the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes in 2008. Their work focuses on providing for the physical and spiritual needs of orphaned and disadvantaged children in the developing world. The core strategy of Orphan’s Heart focuses on sending short-term mission teams to what they consider to be priority locations. They primarily work alongside locals and help them improve the level of care for the children they serve. Orphan’s Heart works to improve the safety and security of the children and helps improve conditions to foster better health and sanitation.
The first time I saw the promotional video from the Florida Baptist Children’s Home about the ministry need at the Malnutrition Center in Guatelmala, I wept for the children and the horrible conditions in which they were living. Children are brought to the center extremely malnourished and close to death. Many are only able to be fed by a dropper when they first arrive. They long to be held, rocked, and loved. The need is great and the workers and resources are few. The image of the babies lying alone in their cribs for endless hours was haunting and I found myself thinking of nothing else. The second time I watched the video with our entire congregation, and I found myself weeping for an entirely different reason. I wept with tears of repentance as I felt incredibly ashamed of the indulgent lifestyle that we participate in here in America. Although I have always considered myself a thankful person, I suddenly realized that my level of thanks in no way met my level of blessings. I found myself drawn to Isaiah 6:8 “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’ ”
Many hearts were touched in the same way and answered the call after the promotional video and invitation for missions were shared. After months of prayer, planning, and fundraising, we sent a team of 28 to Guatemala on Friday, October 7th . Our mission while we were there was to spend a week assisting in the care of the 78 children at the Malnutrition Center, working on repairs at the Center, constructing a home for a family in need, and passing out Bibles. We thought we had adequately prepared ourselves physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Little did we know that no amount of preparation could have possibly prepared us for what we were about to experience. I thought I knew what we were walking into. I thought I understood the mission that was set before us. But I soon found out that I had grossly underestimated what the Lord had asked us to do. Although they say “a picture is worth a thousand words”, I have found that it still does not affect your heart in the same way as actually being there and allowing all of your God given SENSES to take in the situation. SMELLING the pungent aroma of the center when we first arrived made me shudder in fear that I may not be able to stomach the assignment that the Lord had given us. SEEING with my own eyes a room full of babies in cribs with their arms raised in hopes of being held brought tears to my eyes. HEARING the sounds of the children crying or banging their heads on the hard floor in an effort to draw someone’s attention was almost more than I could bear. FEELING your own arms wrapped around two or three children at a time and realizing the privilege it is to know that the Lord chose your arms to share His love brought me to my knees.
There are stories that need to be shared that range from heart breaking, to heart warming, to just flat humorous.
- We witnessed an 8 year old boy who only weighs a mere 27 lbs; both of my own biological children weighed more than that by their first birthday.
- There were two and three year old children who are so developmentally delayed due to their malnourishment that they are still unable to crawl or walk and are wearing clothes made for a 6 month old baby.
- Although the children are fed 5 times a day, we saw children with swollen, distended tummies hiding food in fear of being without once again.
- We watched a school age boy escape from the classroom area to the nursery where he picked up, embraced, and kissed a little girl. He hugged her over and over then placed her down on the mat and raked all the surrounding toys around her before being ‘caught’ by his teacher. We later found out that the little girl was his younger sister.
- We laughed as the Spanish speaking Guatemalan children repeated familiar English phrases like “That’s Okay!”, “Uh-Oh Spagettio!”, and “Be Careful!” that they have picked up from the missionary teams that have visited.
- I sat mesmerized as I watched the Guatemalan nannies who are only paid an annual salary of $3500 but are responsible for solely taking care of 12 or more children at a time. Some of these lovely ladies have worked at the Malnutrition Center for 28 years! I have never been so privileged to meet such hard working people with such a humble spirit.
- I witnessed babies who were able to feed themselves sharing their food with the babies who were waiting to be spoon fed by an adult. Babies in America do not do that. I believe these precious souls at the Malnutrition Center can remember and empathize with what it feels like to be hungry in a way that we simply cannot comprehend.
- We saw a three generation family ecstatic to receive the home we built in a matter of 8 hours with only 10 men. A home that is no bigger than the shed in my own backyard. A home that has no running water or electricity and only a cement floor, but it is considered a beautiful blessing and refuge for this family.
- I watched women walk for miles carrying their dirty laundry in a bundle on their heads to the community wash center which looked more like a large horse trough filled with murky water. I repented for the times I have grumbled in my own spirit because I simply couldn’t ‘keep up’ with the pile of laundry from my children’s various ball, dance, cheer, and karate activities.
- I prayed for our safety as we drove on the chaotic roads that have no traffic lights and no regard for the traffic signs. I laughed when our interpreter said she had heard rumors that in America we actually stop at intersections even if no one is coming! Who knew our driving practices seem as ridiculous to them as theirs does to us?
- While we were there, a little boy named Marvin died in the arms of his family as they were trying to make it to the center for formula to make him strong enough so he could have surgery for a cleft pallet.
- I marveled as I watched fellow church members that I have worshiped alongside for the past 4 years step far outside their comfort zone and serve in ways I never imagined.
- Although I initially cringed at some of the necessary practices of the center such as the fast and furious way that the babies are bathed or the endless hours that they are left in a lonely crib, I soon realized how much better this situation is than the home life that many children come from. Our men that worked on the construction team met a family who had to keep their baby in a bucket in order to prevent it from drowning in the water and mud that flood their home during the rainy season. This is a country where there are no government assisted programs that provide food when you are hungry or money when you are unemployed. It is simple: If you do not work, you do not eat. Crime is high because people who are starving, or watching their loved ones literally starve, will do whatever they have to do to get food. I found myself suddenly re-evaluating all my deep rooted opinions about government assistance and illegal immigration.
We all cried as we left the center on our final day. The sound of grown men singing old hymns to the babies that they rocked in their arms will always echo in my heart. The keen awareness settled in that we may never see these precious souls again on this side of heaven. I have to cling to the hope that they felt the love of Jesus through our arms. I have to believe that we gave them enough love to last a lifetime as we tried to squeeze as much joy and laughter into one short week. Although the beginning of my journey found my heart drawn to the call in Isaiah, I now find myself drawn to the biblical mandate in James 1:27 “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
That is my prayer: to accept the challenge to take care of the widows and orphans, to make an eternal difference in the life another, to love as He first loved us. There are many opportunities to serve. I ask that you consider partnering with this amazing ministry and joining the Lord in what He is doing in the lives of His people http://orphansheart.org/help We left as a team on a mission hoping to be a blessing to those in need. I think I can speak for everyone in our group when I say that I am certain that we RECEIVED a much greater blessing than we ever were able to GIVE!
Pictured: Highland Baptist Church’s mission trip to Guatemala. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Another Atmore House Fire Claims Man’s Life (With Photo Gallery)
November 12, 2011
Less than 10 days a house fire claimed the lives of three children, another person has died in an Atmore house fire despite frantic attempts by neighbors to save him.
Dwight Bernard McCaster, 41, was pronounced dead Friday night after fire destroyed his mobile home on Brooks Lane near Maxwell Street about 7:45. The victim’s uncle, neighbors and Atmore Police ripped the outside metal siding off the aging mobile home and pulled McCaster out of the fire through a wall (pictured left), but it was too late to save him.
For a photo gallery from the fire’s aftermath, click here.
The home was fully involved when the Atmore Fire Department arrived on the scene. The fire is under investigation by the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s office; the cause has not yet been determined.
The fire was a short distance away from 1st Street, where , 3-year old Aniyia Abner, 3-year old Takia Abner and 22-month old Michael Coleman died in a house fire November 2 after being left home alone by their mothers. Both mothers, 18-year old twin sisters Akeevia Lajoseia Abner and Tekeevia Lajoseialan Abner were charged with three counts of reckless murder each for the deaths. They remain in the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton with bond set at $300,000 each. The Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office said that fire was apparently caused from leaving a stove unattended. They also found that a mattress was blocking the front door of the home.
For a photo gallery from the fire’s aftermath, click here.
Pictured above and below: A 41-year old Atmore man died in this mobile home fire Friday night. Pictured inset: Neighbors ripped into this wall and pulled the man from the fire, but it was too late to save him. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
In His Honor: Fallen Soldier’s Fiancé Joining The Marine Corps
November 12, 2011
As Americans paused and honored those that served on Veterans Day, Madeline Cates was making plans to honor her late fiancé by following in his footsteps into the Marines.
Madeline was to marry LCpl Travis Nelson when he returned from service with the Marines in Afghanistan. She had picked out her dress just before he lost his life serving his country half a world away in August.
“It wasn’t suppose to happen,” Madeline Cates said about the death her soulmate. “He was the love of my life.”
She was unimaginably heartbroken, her world torn apart. LCpl. Nelson had reported to duty but would never finish his tour. The marriage she had dreamed about would never happen.
Then Madeline began to think. What if she joined the Marines and finished LCpl Travis Nelson’s tour? She had never, ever in her life considered joining the military.
“Something just drove me to do it; it was driving me crazy. I could not just keep sitting here,” she said. “”I have to do something with my life, and I couldn’t think of a better way to honor him than to follow in his footsteps.”
Madeline Raye Cates, 21, took her oath to the United States Marines recently. She’s due to report to boot camp in Paris Island, South Carolina, on March 5 of next year.
She will be on two missions — the mission assigned by her Marine superiors, and a mission to complete the tour of LCpl. Travis Nelson.
“I want to finish what he started,” Madeline said.
Pictured top: During a ceremony Tuesday to dedicate a Bratt park in the name of LCpl. Travis Nelson, his fiancé Madeline Cates (center) comforts his niece Amber Whitehurst (left) and sister Anna Nelson. Pictured inset: Madeline Cates with the memorial that honors her fiancé LCpl. Travis Nelson. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Flomaton Hurricanes Play Up A Storm To Advance To Quarterfinals
November 12, 2011
The Flomaton Hurricanes played up a storm Friday night, crushing Goshen 51-7 to advance to the Class 2A quarterfinals next week.
Flomaton took the lead early when Neiko Robinson recovered a fumble for an 85-yard touchdown. With a good kick from Hunter Bonds, the Hurricanes were leading the second round playoff game 7-0. Moments later, Neino Robinson (Neiko’s brother) intercepted a Goshen pass and returned 52-yards it for a 14-0 Flomaton lead in the first quarter. Then, Neiko Robinson scored again a on a 3-yard dive. A missed kicked, the ‘Canes were up 20-0 with 2:46 to go in the first.
In the second, Flomaton added a 50-yard Robinson Brothers touchdown from Neiko. A missed attempt for two, and Flomaton was up 26-0 with 9:14 to go in the half.
The Canes opened the second half with a 65-yard touchdown run from Ryheem Dixon on the first play of the third quarter. A good point after, and Flomaton’s advantage was 33-0 over the Goshen Eagles. Then with 4:41 to go in the third, Neiko Robinson scored on an 8-yard touchdown run, 39-0. Dixon picked up a 33-yard touchdown run with 2:55 to go in the third, 45-0.
At 5:15 to go in the game, Goshen picked up a 72-yard touchdown, 45-7. Dixon scored another touchdown with an 88-yard kick off return, 51-7.
The Flomaton Hurricanes stand at 11-1 — a tie for the best-ever Flomaton season.
The Elba Tigers (12-0) will travel to Flomaton next Friday night at 7:00 for a Class 2A quarterfinal game — the second-ever trip to the quarterfinals for the Hurricanes.
Pictured above and below: Action as the Flomaton Hurricanes stormed past Goshen in round two of the playoffs Friday night in Goshen. Pictured inset: The Canes celebrate the win. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kenny Shivers, click to enlarge.
Plaque Presented In Honor Of Fallen Marine At Pensacola Veterans Park
November 12, 2011
A bronze plaque honoring fallen Marine LCpl Travis Nelson was presented to his parents Scott and Beckie Nelson of Bratt during a ceremony Friday at the Veterans’ Memorial Park in Pensacola. Pictured are Young Marine Sgt Belanger and Young Marine SSgt Chris Cato with the Nelsons. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Area Teams In Youth Football Playoffs Today
November 12, 2011
Several North Escambia area teams are in round one of the Gulf Coast Youth Alliance football playoffs Saturday.
Mighty Mites
- Cantonment Cowboys vs. Gulf Breeze, 10:30 a.m.
Mini Mites
- Jay Royals vs. East Pensacola, 9:30 a.m.
- Cantonment Cowboys vs. Milton Black, 5 p.m.
Midgets
- Cantonment Cowboys vs. Bellview Green, 11 a.m.
- Northwest Escambia Eagles vs. Navarre Silver, 2 pm
Juniors
- NE Pensacola Wildcats vs. East Pensacola 8 a.m.
- Cantonment Cowboys vs. Pace, 12:30 p.m.
Photos: Molino Park, Tate Join In Bookstore Veterans Program
November 12, 2011
Reading is Fundamental held its third annual Veterans Day celebration Friday at Barnes and Noble Booksellers in Pensacola.
The day’s events began with a special children’s story time followed by a recognition ceremony with guest speakers Escambia County School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas; Lt. Col. Julie Eldred, who is retired from the Army Nurse Corps; and Phyllis Pia of the Pensacola USO.
The program also included a performance of “Taps” by members of the Tate High School band, a color guard display by students from the Washington High School NJROTC and patriotic songs from Molino Park Elementary students.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured: Molino Park Elementary School students perform Friday during a Veterans Day celebration at Barnes and Noble in Pensacola. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Vechicle Flips Near Jim Allen Elementary; No Immediate Sign Of Driver
November 12, 2011
There were no immediate signs of a the driver involved in a single vehicle wreck early Saturday morning near Jim Allen Elementary School.
The Chevrolet SUV was discovered upside down off Highway 95A near the school about 12:30 a.m. First responders could not find the driver, even after a search by an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office K-9.
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Cantonment and Molino stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded to the early morning wreck.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.